Demush Krasniqi testimony begins, Z. SP: Present when Cen Descu and Jakup Kastrati were released

Questions about this witness have begun the SPS representative, prosecutor James Pace. According to a summary read by the prosecutor, the same one had been present when Cen Descu and Jakup Kastrati were released, reports “Justice bet”.

“Witness 03885 was keyed at the River Unit in Balinca in Malisheva around May 1998. Later, he served as a member of the Military Police in Brigade 122, including the Dragon Zone. Witness 03885 has been in the Dragon with Fehmi Kryeziu and Skender Hotin when a car marked by the KLA arrived with two soldiers who were introduced as members of the KLA General Staff and asked witnesses 03885 and others to go and call two people to attend a meeting with the OSCE. Witness 03885 and others took Jakup Kastrac and Chen Descu from a meeting and escorted them to the car. Kastrati and Descu get in the car. Another car emerged later and both cars left together. Witness 03885 was present when Kastrati, Descu and others were released about a month after being taken from Dragobilla”, the prosecutor said.

On the other hand, the prosecutor said Krasniqi would give evidence even in terms of his role in the KLA, lines of reporting KLA units, etc.

“Witness 03885 also provides information on how much his role and others are in the KLA, as well as the construction, activities, competencies and zones of responsibility and the lines of reporting of KLA units including the River, Brigade 121 and 122, as well as KLA Military Police units”, the prosecutor said.

The “stands behind”, the witness said when asked that statements he has made for Kosovo Special Prosecutor and SPS reflect reality.

On the other hand, the witness was told that in his statement about the Prosecution, he was told that when he was locked up in the Military Police, he was given a black cloak with an embroidery.

He claimed he was given a card showing he was a member of the Kosovo Liberation Army. After that, a picture of him was shown that the witness said he was similar to his card.

All statements of the witness given earlier to the authorities of investigation were accepted in material evidence.

Before beginning his testimony, Demush Krasniqi asked the judge for the word, saying he wants to introduce a family rule.

I want to introduce you to a rule of my family. Family events...”, the witness said.

To that end, Chief Judge Charles Smith III said there is no objections but to do so after the prosecution concluded their questions.

“We have no objection, but finish the prosecution with questions and after the prosecutor is finished you can make your statement”, the chief judge said.

According to the chief judge, the testimony of this witness is expected to last about half a day and since then, half an hour has been asked by the Prosecutor for his questions. The defence, however, has indicated that it takes about two hours and 30 minutes for questioning.

The chairman of the court, Charles Smith III, announced that there are changes in Thursday's session schedule. He said they'll only have their lunch break in an hour from 1: 00 p.m. to 2: 00 p.m. that after lunch sessions will only last until 1500.

It is noteworthy that all of the accused are present in the courtroom except for Hashim Thaci, who is present through video connection.

Otherwise, the Specialised Prosecutor's Office, on September 30th, 2022, has handed over the confirmed amended indictment against Hashim Thaci, Kadri Veselini, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi, which consists of ten points of charges, where the latter are charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity.

On April 29th 2022, the Specialised Prosecutor's Office had handed over a amended indictment to Hashim Thaci, Kadri Wessel, Rexhepi and Jakup Krasniqi, where four indictees have committed war crimes even in Gjilan, Budakov and Semtish.

On November 9th 2020, in their first appearances, Hashim Thaci's Jakup Krasniqi has been declared innocent of the charges placed on them. Wessel has also been declared in his presentation on November 10th, as has Rexhep Selimi on November 11th.

The incident against Hashim Thaci, Kadri Veselin, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi is confirmed on October 26, 2020.